We visited in the middle of winter and it was still a fun and pleasant experience even if it was a little cold. There were lots and lots of shops but very few foreign tourists. We bought tickets for the attractions and the boats but we didn't really need to. The place is very walkable and some of the sights were a little repetitive.
Beautiful
An ancient town built in a lake almost 1700 years old
Where you need to use interconnecting river as the mode of transport
They call it Venice of the East
Few stone bridges and roads by the river banks
There is a beautiful garden in the village
Nice to see and experience how an old Chinese city would look like, except all the customer traps/stores. Nice to go for a walk up from the entrance and the take a boat ride down most of the way.
Good for a short visit as a tourist. Canals were o.k. food was good around town. Fish foot massage was fun
I think this is one of the must visit place when you're happened to be in Shanghai. It's a traditional water village about one hour drive from Shanghai. A river runs through it where we can take a local boat through the river. Many traditional shops at both sides of the river. I'm not giving a five star because I think some modern shops are ruining the theme of this village (example: Starbucks, etc. Please don't get me wrong, I like Starbucks but I don't think this is a place for modern cafe). Some local foods offered here worth to try especially if you like pork dishes.
Old style Venice..clean.. Take a boat ride to see all the houses and souvenir shops along the river There are some part with old traditional houses but also some part with modern style.. Has a big and nice bookstore altough in Chinese but nicely set up and the attendant at least speak a fair English, should be there at morning hours specially during weekends and holidays ..worthed to see
A wonderful look at bygone days! The town has a bit of a Disney feel, but because the history is real and the preservation, meticulous (from what I could tell), it makes for a very enjoyable visit. The ancient post office contains a wealth of artifacts and very nicely done signage. The ancient pharmacy: not so much so. The gardens are wonderful. Lots of shipping and eating opportunities with surprisingly good prices for street goods (not so much in the fixed stores.)
I rate it 4.5 it is a very pleasant day trip from Shanghai. Lots of shops, and restaurants. Very good food at a number of them. There is an Ice Season for an ice cream to cool off. Also it has it's own Starbucks if you need a caffeine fix. It was very crowded when we were there. I was too tired but there is some great architecture to shoot. I have a few pictures on my Nikon but it is easier to share the pictures I took with my phone.
The people are friendly and didn't notice any shady trouble makers at all so the police are doing a good job. Go have a good time.
if it weren't for the commercialization, tourist trinkets, crowds, it's really beautiful and quaint. still I suppose it's worth a visit.
Over commercialised tourist attraction. It's like an old shirt that has been patched and repatched not with matching cloth but with gaudy LEDs, faux fur and anything else that can be bought on the street.
This is a well preserved old town that's very typical in this region in the past. This probably is the largest one among many of this sort of tourist attractions within the radius of a couple of hours of driving. It's wonderful to walk around the river/canal with shops along both sides, and browsing thru additional shops in the back streets. It worth the trip to see this location, and it will be enough of this sort of attractions. It gets really busy and crowded with local folks on weekends, so try schedule the visit on weekdays if possible.
Very pleasant..w movies ..you can almost learn Chinese characters thru figuring out the tv.
An ancient city since the 1700's. Nice architecture archives, canals & rivers, boat ride and traditional foods. It is very commercial though but all in all is worth visiting